The idea that, if you mitigate the consequences of a particular type of accident, then that type of accident will necessarily occur much more frequently, more than negating the initial benefit.
The CF assumes that human nature is perverse and seeks to equalize consequences. Hence, improved automotive technologies such as air bags, ABS, space frames, etc. will be offset (or more than offset) by careless driving, leading to increased highway fatalities.
FALSIFICATION: Empirical evidence shows that, while reducing consequences increases risky behavior, overall safety/health outcomes are better. Insurance companies with a stake in reducing claims verify this.
More generally, the CF confuses all forms of risk-taking, such as faster highway speeds, with fecklessness. Increased speed and convenience (for motorists) has utility; and there is no principle in welfare economics that says risk-taking will increase by an amount sufficient to offset the safety measures.
The CF assumes that human nature is perverse and seeks to equalize consequences. Hence, improved automotive technologies such as air bags, ABS, space frames, etc. will be offset (or more than offset) by careless driving, leading to increased highway fatalities.
FALSIFICATION: Empirical evidence shows that, while reducing consequences increases risky behavior, overall safety/health outcomes are better. Insurance companies with a stake in reducing claims verify this.
More generally, the CF confuses all forms of risk-taking, such as faster highway speeds, with fecklessness. Increased speed and convenience (for motorists) has utility; and there is no principle in welfare economics that says risk-taking will increase by an amount sufficient to offset the safety measures.
The massively overrated book *Freakanomics* (Dubner & Leavitt) includes many examples of the curmudgeon's fallacy.
by Abu Yahya October 16, 2008
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A person, usually of an older generation, who complains on Facebook and through comments on blogs, about the youth of today being lazy and reliant on technology. This person may also make comments about past difficulties and how "easy" younger people have it.
In other words, someone who complains about youth and technology while using the same technology to beleaguer their intended target.
In other words, someone who complains about youth and technology while using the same technology to beleaguer their intended target.
"My boss routinely acts as a social curmudgeon on blogs and Facebook, by posting comments about how lazy my generation is and how we 'probably don't even know how to use a pen'"
by Taitter June 22, 2012
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Get the curmudgeon mug.Michelle is a curmudgeon, she got all bent out of shape when some twitwad wouldn't leave her door alone, and she yelled at them.
Grandpa is becoming a old curmudgeon!
Grandpa is becoming a old curmudgeon!
by Fauxrook April 22, 2011
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I thought she was my kind of girl until i met her old boyfriend! Wow what a Dirty Curmudgeon he was!
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